Sometimes it can be less expensive and faster to fly into Mexico elsewhere and then switch to a Mexican airline to fly into Cozumel. For example, those on the west coast of the U.S. might find better airfares to Mexico City and then switching to a domestic Mexican airline to get across the country to Cozumel.

Fly into Cancun and then taxi/ferry or fly over to Cozumel

Most major airlines now fly into Cancun Airport. A list of airline carriers serving Cancun is provided in the Over There - Cancun section

Arrive by Cruise Ship

There are many cruise lines that now stop at one of Cozumel's 3 cruise ship piers including Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, NCL, P&O Cruises & Royal Caribbean.

Travel Documentation - Passports and Important Paperwork

Homeland Security Impact on Travel

On November 19, 2001 the US President signed into law the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) which among other things established a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within the Department of Transportation. This Act established a series of challenging but critically important milestones toward achieving a secure air travel system.

The TSA website www.TSATravelTips.us is very informative. Here you will find everything you need to know about new airport security measures. You will discover a list of timesaving tips, information on assistance for special needs, the latest list of prohibited and permitted items as well as other information that will help guide you smoothly through the security process.

Citizenship Documentation
Due to law changes and initiatives attempting to increase national security, PASSPORTS ARE NOW REQUIRED of all US travelers.

Proof of citizenship is the most important thing to have in any foreign country. With proof, a person has some rights; without it, the first priority must be to PROVE identity and nationality.…not get assistance with a problem! Please make a PASSPORT COPY to carry while out and about on vacation and keep the original with other valuables.

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) is what mandated that the U.S. Secretaries of Homeland Security and State Development implement a plan to require U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to present a passport or other appropriate secure identity and citizenship documentation when entering the United States. As a result of this legislation mandate, the two agencies developed a plan called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) which was announced in April 2005.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) required all travelers entering or re-entering the United States from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada & Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure document that establishes a traveler's identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the U.S.

This WHTI initiative was rolled out in phases providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines.

December 31, 2006 - Requirement extended to all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada.December 31, 2006 - Requirement extended to all air, sea and land border crossings. February 15, 2008 - Passport requirement for travel strictly enforced.

Passport applicants should allow sufficient time to apply and receive passports in advance of travel.

Please allow 6-8 weeks for routine processing of passport applications.
Peak U.S. passport processing is between January and July. For faster service, it is recommended to apply between August and December.

For more information about obtaining a US PASSPORT visit www.dhs.gov or www.travel.state.gov or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778; TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793

On board the aircraft, passengers will be given an Immigration form and a Customs/Agriculture form to complete. Do yourself and everyone else in line a favor and complete the form in advance and accurately in order to speed up the entry process. Please check the FRONT & BACK OF EACH FORM because both Immigration and Customs forms require some passenger information on BOTH SIDES.

Typical vacation timeframes are 1 - 2 weeks so this is the "standard" approval time given on Temporary Visa Applications in Mexico. However, if you intend to stay longer than 1-2 weeks in Mexico, be sure to advise the Immigration Officer as he BEGINS his review of your documents. Mexican Immigration law allows vistors (not workers) to stay up to 6 months continuously without leaving the country or making further application for approaval. It is important to ask at the airport upon arrival for the approprate Temporary Visa timeframe required because extensions require a visit to the Immigration Office and payment of Visa Extension Fees.

Traveling with Minor Children

Traveling with Minor Children between the USA and Mexico - The following message was issued by the U.S. Consular Office in Merida on November 26th, 2004 and pertains to the travel of minor children between the U.S. and Mexico. The information was adapted from two recent notices they received, one from the Department of State in Washington (regarding parental consent for passport applications for minors) and the other from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City (regarding travel authorization letters for minors traveling with only one parent or another authorized person). This is not a major departure from policies which have been in place for the past year or so, but just a reminder of things to consider when traveling with minor children.

Please note that the second announcement, regarding permission letters, pertains to requirements imposed by the airlines themselves, and does not clearly state what age defines a "minor child". Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is best to contact the airline in advance and err on the side of age 21 and under and being a "minor". As always, please email the Consulate using mercons@prodigy.net.mx or contact the U.S. Consulate in Merida, Mexico, if you have any further questions.

Regarding Travel Permission Letters for Minor Children - The Government of Mexico, Interior Secretariat, Regulation of the General Law of Population (Article 215), requires that minors who will not be accompanied by one or both of their parents or legal guardians, have in their possession an original written permission form signed by the non-traveling parent(s), and notarized.

Both the U. S. and Mexican governments require that minor children have the written and notarized approval of both parents or legal guardians in order to obtain a passport for international travel. Parents must make sure to obtain the appropriate permission when one or both of the parents is not traveling with the child. Airline carriers require the written and notarized permission from the non-traveling parent(s) in order to allow the child to board the plane. Some carriers require that the signed statement be notarized within 30 days of the travel. Other companies require that the permission be dated within six months. It is always best to confirm the exact policy with the airline directly via their internet website or public information number or with a travel agent prior to international travel.

Parents are strongly encouraged to have an original permission form prepared for each child so that in the event of emergency or unanticipated travel alone or with only one parent, the child is able to travel internationally without delay.

Become Part of the US Trusted Traveler Program

Tired of long Immigration lines and missed flight connections when returning to the US from foreign travel?

If the thought of those long immigration lines or missed flight connections are holding you back from foreign travel, consider applying for the GOES Trusted traveler program. This 5 year pilot program gives approved travellers a direct ticket to the automated "fast lane" kiosk at the Immigration checkpoints of most major US airports.

Entry
Global Entry is a new pilot program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. Participants enter the United States by utilizing automated kiosks located, at designated airports. Although the program is intended for “frequent travelers” who make several international trips per year, there is no minimum number of trips an applicant must make in order to qualify. Participants may enter the United States by utilizing these automated kiosks located, at most all major airports now and seldom is there ever a line or delay in clearing Immigration.

In addition to more rapid Immigration clearance, another benefit of the trusted traveler program is the expedited Customs clearance line for the luggage of participants upon returning to the USA from abroad. Trusted traveler participants also enjoy a seperate airport security screening clearance line when departing on DOMESTIC flights.

Are the Benefits of Global Entry?

Bypass the traditional passport control line.

No more filling out a paper customs declaration form.

Expedited exit process.

Mutual benefits with other countries.

Conveniently located at airports throughout the country.

Cross the border with a minimum of customs and immigration questioning.

Bypass the traditional Customs luggage clearance line

Bypass the traditional Airport Security Screening line on DOMESTIC flights

Global Entry allows applicants to complete a single application and pay one fee. This form can be submitted online via the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES. Qualified applicants are required to come to a Global Entry Enrollment Center, for an interview). Global Entry allows United States border agencies to concentrate their efforts on potentially higher-risk travelers and goods, which helps to ensure the security and integrity of our borders.

Pack Light for Cozumel - With reduced luggage limits on most flights these days and overweight bag fees doubling, just packing a suitcase properly can save you money on your vacation. Take advantage of Cozumel's tropical, casual ambiance and simply pack less clothing. Chances are you won't be wearing much while here anyway!

It's always difficult to know what things to take and what to leave behind when traveling. Some travelers swear by the "pack twice" method whereby you pack everything you think you'll need. Then go back and remove half of the items. This method not only ensures that you'll be under the baggage weight limits but also leaves room for those bargain purchases!

Clothing - The climate in Cozumel is typically tropical so alot of heavy fabric clothing just isn't necessary and will in fact be somewhat uncomfortable most of the year. Tropical means warm and humid so bring light airy comfortable clothing and footwear. Dress is casual in the tropics by necessity. However, despite what some travelers actually do, it is actually more proper and respectful form to dine/shop in the city fully clothed. Bathing suits are acceptable attire anywhere you go so long as a cover-up is worn as well.

Sunscreen & Insect Repellent - Don't forget to pack these items because the lack of or improper use of these two items cause a vast majority of traveler discomforts! Cozumel's tropical sun is more intense than most visitors are accustomed to enduring so when selecting a sunscreen err on the side of HIGHER protection and look for the bio-degradable, waterproof brands. Do yourself a favor and carry the sunscreen with you ALL DAY for reapplication.

If going out in the evening, apply insect repellent at least to your ankles, feet and exposed forearms. While restaurants and stores do all they can to reduce insects, learning to manage mosquito bite risk is just part of tropical island living and vacationing! So do yourself a favor and plan to take a small pocket size bottle of insect spray with you each night to ensure you can enjoy Cozumel's open air dining and shopping to its fullest.

Small Wallet - Since you’re on vacation, why would you need the entire contents of your purse or wallet? Library & video cards and the 45 keys you use at work can easily be left behind. Pick a couple of major credit cards and your house key to take on vacation. This way, the trauma of loss is not as significant should it occur at all.

Camera, Film, Batteries & Media Cards - Unless you enjoy paying a premium for regular things, bring your own supply of film, media cards and batteries. Yes, film is available but that 24 exposure roll you buy at Wal-Mart for $3.00 will be $10 on the island and the same holds true for media cards. If you are even able to locate what you need the price will typically be about 3x what you are used to paying. Put fresh batteries in your camera before leaving, bring extras or a recharger since the small NI-CAD or special camera batteries are difficult to find. These items take up so little space in luggage and look at the savings!! Three rolls of film purchased at home vs. 3 on the island gives you enough savings in your pocket to pay for half of a snorkel tour!

Electrical Plug-ins - Electrical supply and receptacles for Cozumel are the same as in the USA - 120 VAC

Gifts/Tips - While cash is always appreciated as a tip for excellent service, sometimes a small trinket from your home country is more appropriate for a new found island friend. Many people from Cozumel seldom leave the island much less the country of Mexico. The population as a whole is exposed to a lot of merchandise in the stores, on TV and the Internet but availability is another thing all together!! Here are some inexpensive suggestions of things to stick in your bag “just in case.”

Music CDs (they don’t have to be new)

DVD's (they don't have to be new)

Music Players (they don't have to be new)

Small keychain type flashlights

Small pocket knives (remember to put in a checked-in bag!)

Brass or stainless clips (fishermen can’t get enough of these)

Small Address Books

Small scented candles

Perfume samples

Crayons or colored pencils/pens

Wine openers

Cash or Credit Cards ?

Should I only bring some emergency cash and pay for everything with my credit card?

Is it difficult to cash traveler's checks in Mexico?

Where can I get the best exchange rate for my dollars?

The answer is - it depends.

Credit Cards:
Don't' bring all of them, but be sure to carry a major charge card that has available credit.

1. Hotels & Rentals - Hotels require a credit card on file at check-in for incidentals and auto, bike, scooter agencies also require credit cards on file should you decide to rent transportation. Even if you want to pay in cash at the end of your rental, an open, signed credit card voucher is required on file by all rental agencies in case of accidents or damage to the vehicle.
2. Medical Emergencies/Treatment - In the unlikely event that you need emergency medical care, the care provider will request a credit card before you can be discharged if you don't have sufficient cash available.

ALWAYS request the original credit card voucher and all copies be returned to you if you elect not to pay with your card at the end of a car, bike or scooter rental.

Generally speaking, you will not want to actually charge items or services to your card while you're in Cozumel UNLESS you're doing so to accumulate points regardless of cost.?Why you ask?

1. Merchant Imposed Fees - If you are from the USA or Canada (or anywhere outside of Mexico), your credit card purchases in Cozumel will be considered International transactions and carry higher charge card processing fees which merchants in Mexico typically pass on to customers. Typically merchants will either add a processing fee of up to 10% OR the exhange rate applied to process the international transaction will not be very good.

2. Your Bank Imposed Fees - Again, If you are from the USA or Canada (or anywhere outside of Mexico), your credit card purchases in Cozumel will be considered International transactions and your own bank or credit card company will typically impose additional transaction fees for each transaction. International transaction fees imposed by U.S. banks run 2.5 - 4% of the transacation amount but always check with your own credit card company or bank to verify fee structures that apply to your account.

Traveler's Checks, Foreign Currency & American Dollars:

Most merchants in the tourism industry in Cozumel will still accept U.S. Dollar currency along with Mexican Pesos. In the past few years with new regulations and laws aimed to stop money laundering connected to the War on Drugs, the Federal government of Mexico has made it more and more difficult for merchants to handle any other currency than Mexican Pesos. In fact, there are many merchants now on the island who will not accept U.S. Dollar currency under any circumstances but these are mainly businesses in industries NOT related to tourism.

Travelers arriving to Cozumel with Traveler's Checks or other Foreign Currency of any kind (including Canadian Dollars) will need to exchange their currency for Mexican Pesos to use while on the island.

Banking, ATMs and Currency Exchange

Banks & Financial Institutions

Exchange rates at the banks are usually much better than those offered at money exchange houses however, In 2009, most all banks in Cozumel suspended currency exchange services except to bank clients with checking or savings accounts. In 2014 further Federal regulations enacted actually penalize banks for doing business with customers who have no accounts so very few will even exchange currency now if you have no account with them.

For tourists, this means there is no reason to visit a bank teller line anymore to change currency. So save time and head straight away to an ATM or a money exchange house instead of standing in line at a bank to exchange currency because it's likely you'll finally arrive at the teller window only to be advised they cannot help you since you are not an account holder.

There was a time not long ago when Cozumel had only two different banks and those downtown locations were the extent of alternatives to do bank business. However, with time and economic development, more financial institutions have moved into the region and begun service and many branch locations have opened up around the island.

Still today, the majority of Cozumel's banks can be found in the Main Downtown Plaza area, however many of the banks do have branch locations located on major avenues (like Ave. 30) throughout town. Typical hours of operation are Mon-Friday between 9 - 4 but some banks are open on Saturdays.

Convenient & Safe ATM Locations

For tourists, a safe, easy way to access pesos in Cozumel is by simply using ATM cards to make withdrawals as needed. Your bank may charge a fee for this international transaction and there is always a local transaction fee of a few dollars as well so consider the cost benefit tradeoffs for your situation. And remember that most U.S. banks impose a US$ 300 limit on withdrawals made in foreign countries like Mexico. So if you need to pay the dive shop at the end of your stay for all of your diving, do not wait until the last day to hit the ATM!!

All of the banks have ATMs that dispense pesos, although US Dollars are available at some ATMs near the cruiseship piers.

Cozumel Bank Locations with ATMs

Avenida 5 in Plaza 987-872-0142

Corner of 30th Avenida (Pedro Joaquin Caldwell) & 11 Sur 987-872-3080

Avenida 5 in Plaza 987-872- 3411

Avenida 5 in Plaza 987-872-0550

Avenida 5 & Juarez 987-872.0718

Corner of 3 Sur & Avenida 10 987-872-2853

Chedraui Supermarket on Melgar at Avenida 13 Sur (or Xel-Ha)

DO NOT under any circumstances utilize an ATM that sits outside on the sidewalk or in front of a store. These unsupervised ATMs are notorious for having "scanners" attached by thieves looking to steal your card data. ONLY use ATMs inside the bank lobbies or inside the supermarkets listed above for MAXIMUM SECURITY.

Currency Exchange Services (Casas de Cambio)

With all the recent Federal banking regulation changes regarding money exchange, money changing houses (Casa de Cambio) have cropped up all over the island. No matter which way you turn in San Miguel's plaza you're bound to spot a money exchange (casa de cambio) place and the farther back into town you venture you'll find even more places to exchange currency ~ especially along Avenida 30 (Pedro Joaquin Caldwell Ave) between Calle 9 Sur and Juarez. In addition, there are also several very convenient exchange houses along Avenida 65 (8 de Octobre Ave.) all the way from the airport up north to Calle 31 Sur.

Exchange rates at these "Casa de Cambios" are typically very competitive and follow the same policy of raising the exchange rate they give for more currency exchanged. For example, the rate to exchange US$ 50 - 250 will be slightly less than if you exchange US$ 400. That being said, the differential is not that significant so there is no real need to exchange big quantities at one time unless a big purchase is to be made somewhere that doesn't accept U.S. Dollars.

We recommend changing your traveler's checks or dollars into pesos a little at a time and only consider paying for something in U.S. dollars if the business is giving you a higher exchange rate than you might find in the exchange house for your dollars.

Although there are many, many Casas de Cambio in Cozumel, here are some locations that seem to always have very decent rates and very little wait time:

Clear Lounge® Cozumel Underwater Oxygen Baris the world's first underwater oxygen bar (patent pending)! Come join us and be some of the first people to enjoy this unique, fun and highly entertaining activity! The best part - "NO DIVING EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY"! Come join us on your next visit to Cozumel!
From US $38 to US $65 Per Person

Cozumel Jungle ATV Adventure will take you through specially carved out trails through Cozumel's Mayan jungles is just for you, your ATV and nobody else. Let us take you on an adrenaline pumping ATV tour to explore the exotic Mayan jungles of Cozumel Island accompanied by a fully trained and experienced guide.
From US $59 (1 Rider) to US $79 (2 Riders)

Cozumel ATV Snorkel by Boat Adventure combines two (2) of the most popular activities here in Cozumel! You will experience first the off-roading ATV fun on the specially carved out trails through Cozumel's Mayan jungle and then will leave for a breathtaking snorkel adventure in our world-renowned coral reefs
From US $90 (1 Rider) to US $130 (2 Riders)

Come join us for a unique bike tour experience in Cozumel. Our Beach Bum Bikes' tours will take you from the hustle and bustle of downtown to beaches and places of beauty on the island. On these Cozumel bike tours, you can ride a Pedego electric bicycle along a designated tour route that will showcase the best sights along the coast Cozumel has to offer!
US $59 Per Person

Come join us for a unique bike tour experience in Cozumel. Our Beach Bum Bikes' tours will take you from the hustle and bustle of downtown to beaches and places of beauty on the island. On these Cozumel bike tours, you can ride a Pedego electric bicycle along a designated tour route that will showcase the best sights along the coast Cozumel has to offer!
US $89 Per Person

Come check out the available Beach Bum Bikes' Pedego electric bikes available for rent. The best way to tour the island and see our pristine, turquoise, Caribbean ocean with white sand beaches and stunning rock formations or just to get around town during your stay.
From US $20 to US $30 Rentals

Come join us for a unique bike tour experience in Cozumel. Our Beach Bum Bikes' tours will take you from the hustle and bustle of downtown to beaches and places of beauty on the island. On these Cozumel bike tours, you can ride a Pedego electric bicycle along a designated tour route that will showcase the best sights along the coast Cozumel has to offer!
US $39 Per Person

Cozumel Deep Sea Fishing Adventure provides 1/2 day and Full day fishing excursions for the sport fishing enthusiast! Your captain and first mate will take you to the best fishing spots surrounding the island and with five (5) rods and reels going at the same time, you will be sure to catch "THE BIG ONE"!
From US $70 to US $90 Per Person

Cozumel Glass Bottom Boat Snorkel Adventure provides participants a visually stunning view of the world famous Cozumel coral reefs as you are boated to two (2) popular reefs, El Pariaso Reef and Chankanaab Reef. Experience the vibrant colors of our pristine Caribbean waters, the coral and the wide variety of marine life!
US $40 Per Person

This lovely second floor vacation rental apartment with bedroom equipped with a king-sized bed and ensuite bathroom is spacious and bright with a lovely front veranda on which to enjoy your morning coffee and listen to the songbirds.
$ 74/night, $ 518/week

This lovely second floor vacation rental apartment with bedroom equipped with a king-sized bed and ensuite bathroom is spacious and bright with a lovely front veranda on which to enjoy your morning coffee and listen to the songbirds.
$ 74/night, $ 518/week

For those who like a little more space this lovely one (1) bedroom and one (1) ground floor vacation rental bungalow is roomy and has a large private patio in front and extra big patio and private garden in back.
$ 85/night, $ 595/week

This spacious one (1) bedroom / one (1) bath efficiency studio sleeps two (2) and has a fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy the water jets of the spa or just lounge by the pool and listen to the waterfall in the background.
$ 64/night, $ 448/week

Experience one (1) of the most significant rituals of the ancient Mayans that has been preserved through the centuries! The Temazcal comes to our time as a relaxation therapy and deeply spiritual experience for the health of the body, mind and spirit.
US $80 Per Person

Convertible Economy Class - Chevrolet (Chevy) Pop Convertible has a manual transmission, comes in a two (2) or four (4) door option, no A/C and will hold a maximum of four (4) passengers.
US $45 Daily (Max = 4 pax)

Economy Class - Chevrolet (Chevy) Matiz has a manual transmission, comes in a five (5) door hatchback, with air conditioning (A/C) and will hold a maximum of four (4) passengers.
US $45 Daily (Max = 4 pax)

Subcompact Class - Both Chevrolet (Chevy) Aveo or Nissan Tiida have a manual transmission, comes in a four (4) door sedan, with air conditioning (A/C) and will hold a maximum of five (5) passengers.
US $55 Daily (Max = 5 pax)

Hey ~ I just wanted to follow up and say what a great time we had swimming with the whale sharks. I also wanted to commend our tour guide Cesar. He was very knowledgeable of the people, the land, the culture, and the history. I would highly recommend him to anybody wanting to tour Mexico.Thanks again for all of your help, Matt Brosh ~ Austin, Texas

Hello, I will visit the island next weekend. I just want to thank you and your staff who make this website, because I´ve been checking a lot of websites, even those Trip Advisor, and yours has been much more useful to plan this trip. Specially because it has links to official websites from local beaches, tips about prices and ways to get somewhere. Good job! I´ll write again to tell you about the experience. C. Quijano (Feb. 2015) ~ Mexico

Great value for the money! After looking at Dalia Apartments and Colonial Suites which are right in town, we decided to come to IslaMar Villas! More private, more room, convenient parking, courtyard for sunning and a POOL! Diane & Bill K. ~ New York City, NY

Very nice home base for our diving vacation! Nice villa, enjoyed our neighbors, hearing the roosters crow and relaxing in the hammock. Wish we knew more Spanish so we could talk more with lovely Zuri and others in town. Loved being greeted at the airport! Next Time, we'd like to check out the Beach Club! Thank you!!! Bret & Debbi C. ~ Parker, CO

Stay (06/01/2013) - Thank you so much for the excellent services you all provide! I gave you such short notice and wondered if I was going to have a place when I arrived. Called Miguel when I was on the ferry after a long drive from Belice and he said he was waiting. Miguel and Zuri are such beautiful people and take care of everything. Even though it rained all three (3) days I was here, I still enjoyed my stay. Last year was the same! Perfect!!! Thank you sooo much, PEACE! Bruce S. ~ Minneapolis, MN